Paard met tuig c. 1886s

George Hendrik Breitner created this drawing of a harnessed horse, now at the Rijksmuseum, using a simple yet evocative technique. The horse, a symbol of power and vitality, carries a heavy cultural load, representing nobility in classical times and martial prowess in the Renaissance. But here, Breitner captures the horse in a moment of everyday stillness, a stark contrast to its more glorified depictions. Consider the equestrian statues of Roman emperors—a display of dominance—juxtaposed with Breitner’s humble portrayal. The harnessed horse reminds us of the cyclical nature of symbols, how they resurface and evolve, carrying echoes of past meanings while adapting to new contexts. This tension between the heroic and the mundane is what engages us, tapping into our collective memory and subconscious associations with this powerful animal.